Defender Michael Liddle handed trial at Hibs

NEIL McGLADE

Hibs are running the rule over former Accrington Stanley player Michael Liddle as Alan Stubbs looks to bolster his defence.

The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes at left-back as the club’s Development Squad drew 3-3 at Falkirk in their season opener on Tuesday night.

Head coach Stubbs revealed last week he had ended his interest in former Dundee United player Keith Watson, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Easter Road before travelling with the rest of the squad to their pre-season base in La Manga last month.

With injury preventing Watson from taking part in any of the club’s pre-season friendlies, Stubbs has turned his attentions elsewhere and invited Liddle to the East Mains training complex this week.

The former Ireland Under-21 internationalist started his career at Sunderland, making just a single appearance before loan spells with Carlisle United, Leyton Orient, Gateshead and Accrington followed. He signed a permanent deal with the Skybet League Two outfit upon leaving the Stadium of Light in 2012.